ROSEMEAD – Calif., Oct. 26, 2010 – University of the West announced on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010, the hiring of Tom Thing as Director of Student Life, a position that directly caters to co-curricular activities for students on campus.

Mr. Thing – the name is Scandinavian – has a long history of student affairs work. He was formerly the Director of Student Services at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Hollywood, Calif. He was Assistant Director of Residential Life at College of the Redwoods in Eureka, Calif.

He started his higher education career in the Office of Mission and Ministry at the University of San Diego, where he was an associate minister.

“I realized that I had a really strong pull toward student services, so began working with housing, residential life and student services,” Mr. Thing said. “I found a great interest and comfort.”

Outside of work, Mr. Thing has a passion for social justice and peace work.

“I have a great love and affection for the poor and immigrant populations,” Mr. Thing said. “So I volunteer teaching ESL a couple of times a week and I volunteer for an immigrant rights group as well.”

Mr. Thing has plans to create programs for UWest students that will encourage them to volunteer in the community and develop leadership skills.

Mr. Thing lives in Long Beach, Calif., with his dog Mac and enjoys gardening, cooking, fishing and traveling.